chlorate
C2Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A salt or ester of chloric acid, containing the anion ClO₃⁻.
A chemical compound used primarily as an oxidizing agent in explosives, fireworks, matches, and herbicides.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively used in chemistry and related industrial contexts. It refers to a specific class of compounds rather than a single substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in specialized contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[substance] contains chlorate[process] produces chlorate[agent] oxidizes using chlorateVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In the context of chemical manufacturing, supply chains, or safety regulations.
Academic
In chemistry textbooks, research papers on inorganic compounds, redox reactions, or environmental chemistry.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Prevalent in chemical engineering, pyrotechnics, agriculture (herbicides), and industrial safety documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mixture can be chlorated under controlled conditions.
American English
- The process chlorates the solution to produce the oxidizer.
adverb
British English
- The reaction proceeded chlorately, releasing oxygen gas.
American English
- The compound decomposes chlorately when heated.
adjective
British English
- The chlorate residue was carefully neutralised.
American English
- They disposed of the chlorate materials according to EPA guidelines.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Potassium chlorate is sometimes used in fireworks.
- The laboratory strictly regulates the storage of chlorate salts due to their fire risk.
- The electrochemical reduction of chlorate to chloride is a key step in certain water treatment processes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHLORine' + 'ATE' (as in 'salt of an acid'). A chlorATE is what you get when chloric acid is neutralised.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chlorate is a chemical tool for releasing oxygen (an oxidising 'key' that unlocks reactions by providing oxygen).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'хлорид' (chloride, Cl⁻). 'Chlorate' is 'хлорат' (ClO₃⁻). The '-ate' suffix indicates an oxyanion with oxygen.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /ˈklɒr.ɪt/ (confusing with 'chlorite', ClO₂⁻).
- Using 'chlorate' to refer to any chlorine-containing compound.
- Misspelling as 'clorate'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hazard associated with chlorates?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Chlorine (Cl₂) is an element. A chlorate is a compound containing the chlorate ion (ClO₃⁻), which includes chlorine and oxygen.
In safety data sheets for industrial chemicals, in the ingredients of some older herbicides or explosives, and in chemistry laboratory contexts.
They are strong oxidising agents. When mixed with combustible materials (like sulfur, carbon, or organic matter), they can form highly sensitive and explosive mixtures.
They are all oxyanions of chlorine with different numbers of oxygen atoms: chlorite is ClO₂⁻, chlorate is ClO₃⁻, and perchlorate is ClO₄⁻. Their chemical properties and uses differ significantly.